OTRC: Ralph Waite, 'The Waltons' star, dies at 85

Ralph Waite, who played the patriarch John Walton on "The Waltons," has died at age 85.

Waite's manager confirmed the news to OTRC.com on Thursday, Feb. 13. He died on Thursday in Palm Springs, California.

The actor played John Walton on the television series "The Waltons" for nine seasons from 1972 to 1981. Waite reprised his role as John Walton in the six made-for-television movies based on the series, which aired during the 1980s and 1990s. The actor also directed 16 episodes of the show.

He went on to star in the TV series "The Mississippi" for two seasons from 1982 to 1984.

Waite was nominated for two Primetime Emmy awards, including one in 1978 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on "The Waltons." The actor was also nominated in 1977 for Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Series for his role in "Roots."

Recently, Waite has had recurring roles on series like "NCIS," "Days of Our Lives" and "Bones." He also had guest roles on "Grey's Anatomy," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "The Practice" and "Cold Case."